PNG Chiefs Sign Kumuls Star Zac Laybutt on Two-Year Deal

Papua New Guinea international Zac Laybutt has officially joined the PNG Chiefs after agreeing to a two-year contract, strengthening the club's outside-back stocks ahead of its historic entry into the National Rugby League (NRL).

The signing represents another major step in the Chiefs' recruitment campaign, with the Kumuls representative set to become Player No. 008 when he completes his current commitment with the North Queensland Cowboys at the end of the 2027 season.

Laybutt has established himself as a versatile outside back, having played 42 NRL matches for the Cowboys since making his first-grade debut in 2023.

Capable of playing on the wing and in the centres, the Papua New Guinean international also brings goal-kicking ability and valuable experience at both club and representative levels.

The 2028 arrival will add further depth to the Chiefs' backline as the franchise continues assembling a competitive squad for its maiden NRL campaign.

Laybutt has represented the PNG Kumuls on eight occasions, making his international debut in 2023 and being part of the team that secured the Pacific Bowl championship against Fiji. He also featured in the Kumuls' recent campaign at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

PNG Chiefs chief executive officer Lorna McPherson said the club was pleased to secure a player whose background and international experience reflected the organisation's identity.

"We are delighted to have signed Zac, and his signing is particularly meaningful for us as we build a club that proudly represents PNG," McPherson said.

She said having Papua New Guinean players in the team would help strengthen the club's connection with the country and encourage young rugby league players to pursue professional opportunities.

McPherson described Laybutt as a promising young player and said the organisation was looking forward to seeing him develop further when he joins the team in 2028.

PNG Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas said Laybutt understood the importance of the new franchise and the opportunity it presented for local and international players.

"As a player, he has size, athleticism and versatility to excel in multiple positions, and he has shown already in his career that he can handle the demands and challenges of what it takes to be an NRL player," Chammas said.

Head coach Willie Peters also welcomed the signing, saying Laybutt's work ethic and existing NRL experience would make him a valuable addition to the squad.

The club has also secured development contracts for 2028 with Finley Glare, Gairo Voro and Morea Morea, adding to its growing group of Papua New Guinean talent.

Laybutt becomes the fifth Kumuls representative to sign with the Chiefs, following the earlier announcement of star winger Alex Johnston as Player No. 002.

"We believe he will only continue to improve as a player and we're looking forward to watching him continue to develop with our team in the years ahead," Peters said.